Glossary of Terms

A procedure used to adjust the flow of air in an HVAC system so as to meet the design goals for airflow throughout the system.

(Building Industry Cross-connect) is part of a telephony cross-connect system (Integrated Building Distribution Network – IBDN) created in the 1970s by Nortel Networks. As a system, it consists of various sizes of punch-down blocks, cable distribution accessories (such as moulded rings and strips), and a punch-down tool to terminate wires at the punch-down block. The BIX cross-connect system as a whole is certified for Category-5e. The BIX cross-connect system is primarily composed of two parts: the mounts, and the connectors.

An outline sketch: a plan in which only broad general features are indicated.

See BIX

Formal approval of building plans by the designated government agency as meeting the requirements of prescribed codes. It is an authorization to proceed with the construction or reconfiguration of a specific structure at a particular site, in accordance with the approved drawings and specifications.

When the Contractor considers that the Work, or a portion thereof which the Owner agrees to accept separately, is substantially complete, the Contractor shall promptly prepare and submit to the Design Professional a comprehensive Contractor’s Punch List inclusive of all incomplete and non-compliant Work to be completed or corrected prior to final payment, as well as, the requirements of Subparagraph 9.10.2. The Contractor shall submit along with the punch list a separate and detailed schedule indicating the date of Final Completion and all work to be completed before Final Completion including Close-Out requirements as provided in Paragraph 9.10. Failure to include any item on punch list does not alter the responsibility of the Contractor to complete all Work in accordance with the Contract Documents.

See Corporate Relocation Specialist

A professional with expertise in planning and executing the full process of a corporate relocation including budgeting, design, construction, furniture acquisition and move management.

Transfer of services from old site to new location such as internet, telephone, mail, cable etc.

See Load Balancing

The branch of engineering that specializes in the design, construction, and practical uses of electrical systems.

See Load Balancing

Ongoing assistance with the effective running of a productive and efficient office environment. Facilities management includes help with repairs, supplemental furniture acquisitions, cleaning, air balancing, load balancing and emergency service.

A feasibility study looks at the viability of an idea with an emphasis on identifying potential problems and attempts to answer one main question: Will the idea work and should you proceed with it?

A temporary board fence put about a construction site.

See Plenum

Process by which sufficient power is allocated to different circuits ensuring enough available power to sustain local requirements.

The branch of engineering concerned with the design, construction, and operation of machines and machinery including HVAC, sprinkler systems and plumbing.

A comprehensive plan that incorporates planning, design budgeting, construction and move management into a single document.

Re-design of an existing office space to incorporate current and/or additional furniture. An office reconfiguration can include minor to major construction, re-assignment of communication locations and phasing of the various steps in the process.

Implies the staging of a project that is being completed in different steps. Phased construction is commonly used for in-situ builds.

A separate space provided for air circulation for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (sometimes referred to as HVAC) and typically provided in the space between the structural ceiling and a drop-down ceiling. A plenum may also be under a raised floor. In buildings with computer installations, the plenum space is often used to house connecting communication cables. Because ordinary cable introduces a toxic hazard in the event of fire, special plenum cabling is required in plenum areas.

An initial design incorporating seating and workflow requirements within a predetermined budget.

A design incorporating both the physical requirements of a new location and the appropriate presentation of a desired corporate image.

A process by which current staff and furniture configurations are incorporated into a plan for a new location.

A temporary working environment, used esp while renovations are being carried out.

Customizable and reconfigurable furniture made up of desk surfaces, privacy partitions and storage components is known as systems furniture. Popular manufacturers of systems furniture are Hayworth, Herman Miller, Tayco and LaCasse. Systems furniture integrates communication and power requirements through its infrastructure, allowing for a neater appearance.

Proper cable termination practices are vital for the complete and accurate transfer of both analog and digital information signals.

Insulation Displacement Connection (IDC) termination is the recommended method of copper termination recognized by ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-A for UTP cable terminations. Commonly called punch-down connections, these connections require the use of a small punch-down tool to properly secure the cable to terminal block.

Punch-down connections remove or displace the conductor’s insulation as it is seated in the connector. During termination, you press the cable between two edges of a metal clip, which displaces the insulation and exposes the copper conductor. This ensures a solid connection between the copper conductor and terminating clip. Screw-type terminal faceplates commonly used in voice applications are not recommended by ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-A for UTP terminations.

A crimp-style connector for copper and coaxial cable is dependent upon the shape and diameter of the cable. The cable may be round or flat. You must ensure you’ve selected the proper crimp connector for your specific cable.

An area where an employee works. A work station in an office could be either systems furniture or individual freestanding desks known as “case goods”